In a data processing system a method and apparatus is provided for discriminating between digital signals of a plurality of different rates by monitoring the pulse width and repetition rate of such signals. The digital signals are continuously monitored to determine whether a single pulse or multiple pulses have been detected within a preselected time period. If only a single pulse or a portion thereof has been detected within the preselected time period a first type of control signal is generated. If multiple pulses or portions of multiple pulses have been detected within the preselected time period a second type of control signal is generated.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. In a data processing system a method of discriminating between digital signals of a plurality of different rates by monitoring the pulse width and repetition rate of such signals comprising: monitoring said digital signals for a preselected period of time; determining whether only a single pulse or multiple pulses have been detected within said preselected time period; if only a single pulse or a portion thereof has been detected within said preselected time period generating a first type of control signal; if multiple pulses or portions of multiple pulses have been detected within said preselected time period generating a second type of control signal, wherein if only a single pulse has been detected within said preselected time period determining the width of said pulse.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein if said pulse is less than a predetermined threshold timing period generating a third type of control signal, and if said pulse is greater than said predetermined timing period generating a fourth type of control signal.
3. Apparatus for controlling a data processing system adapted to operate in a plurality of modes of operation for processing digital signals of a plurality of rates by selecting modes of operation of said system comprising: means for monitoring said digital signals for a preselected period of time; discrimination means for determining whether only a single pulse or multiple pulses have been detected within said preselected time period; control signal generating means for generating a first type of control signal if only a single pulse or a portion thereof has been detected within said preselected time period; control signal generating means for generating a second type of control signal if multiple pulses or portions of multiple pulses have been detected within said preselected time period; and timing means which if only a single pulse has been detected within said preselected time period determines the width of said pulse.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 including control signal generating means for generating a third type of control signal if said pulse is less than a predetermined threshold timing period and for generating a fourth type of control signal if said pulse is greater than said predetermined timing period.
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August 16, 1999
April 29, 2003
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